ARCH icon

ARCH

ARCH is a browser-based architecture designer for cloud and network diagrams. It runs locally, stores work on-device, and supports exports to PNG, SVG, PDF, and .arch files.

ARCH

ARCH is a local-first architecture designer

ARCH is a browser-based architecture designer for cloud and network diagrams. It combines a drag-and-drop component catalog, routed connections, grouping tools, and export options so teams can model production-style infrastructure without installing a desktop app or setting up a backend.

The app is local-first and private by default: diagrams are stored in the browser, the editor works offline after the first load, and the site says it does not host, sync, or view your work. A separate Visualize page extends the product with file-based data exploration and diagram views for common structured formats such as JSON, YAML, Terraform HCL, GraphQL, and protobuf.

Core features

Provider and on-prem component catalog

Build cloud and network diagrams from a searchable catalog of prebuilt components instead of drawing generic boxes. The catalog includes AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Huawei Cloud, generic networking, and on-premise components.

Smart routed connections

Connect nodes with orthogonal routing, automatic arrow placement, parallel offsets, and edge labels that stay attached as you move items around. Routes are recomputed as the canvas grows to keep larger diagrams readable.

Isolation modeling

Group resources into regions, VPCs, subnets, and availability zones with custom borders, fills, nesting, and collapse controls. This makes isolation boundaries easier to show in architecture reviews.

Selection and command palette workflows

Use marquee select, shift-click, Ctrl/Cmd+A, bulk style edits, and command-palette actions like select connected or same vendor. The editor is designed for keyboard-heavy refactoring and diagram cleanup.

Presentation and workspace export

Export diagrams as PNG, SVG, or PDF, including A4 layout options, and capture full diagrams at up to 4K resolution. The site also offers portable workspace export and import through a single .arch file.

Data visualization modes

Open the Visualize page to auto-detect JSON, YAML, TOML, XML, CSV, Terraform HCL, GraphQL, protobuf, and more, then render them as explorer, flow, dependency, mind map, table, stats, treemap, sunburst, diff, JSONPath, formatted code, or inferred schema views.

Where ARCH fits

  • Cloud architecture design

    Use ARCH to map cloud services, subnets, and trust boundaries when you need a diagram that looks close to the real environment rather than a generic block chart.

  • Infrastructure documentation

    Use the isolation and routing tools to document regions, VPCs, subnets, and availability zones for reviews, onboarding, or internal design docs.

  • Structured data exploration

    Use the Visualize page to turn structured files into explorer views, graphs, tables, or schemas when you need a quick way to inspect JSON, YAML, Terraform, or similar data.

  • Portable diagram workflows

    Use the browser-based editor for quick diagram edits on a laptop or while offline, then export PNG, SVG, PDF, or .arch when you need to share the result.

  • Large diagram maintenance

    Use command-palette actions, snapshots, and bulk editing when a diagram has many nodes and needs cleanup, regrouping, or repeated style changes.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • No account or desktop install is required to start using the editor.
  • Diagrams stay on-device in the browser and continue to work offline after the first page load.
  • The component catalog is specific to cloud and infrastructure work, including multiple major providers and on-premise components.
  • Routing, grouping, alignment, and keyboard shortcuts are built for larger infrastructure diagrams rather than simple flowcharts.
  • Export options include PNG, SVG, PDF, and a portable .arch workspace file.

Cons

  • The product is intentionally local-first, so the site does not describe built-in cloud sync or server-side sharing for diagram files.
  • The public pages focus on individual editing and workspace organization; they do not spell out real-time collaboration features.

FAQ

Do I need an account to use ARCH?

No. ARCH is browser-based and local-first, so you can open the editor and start without creating an account. The source also says the work is auto-saved locally.

Can I use ARCH offline?

ARCH stores diagrams in the browser’s IndexedDB and works offline after the first page load. The site also notes that exports work offline once the app has loaded.

What can I export from ARCH?

Yes. The product page says you can export an entire workspace as a single .arch file and import it elsewhere. The visual export formats listed are PNG, SVG, and PDF.

What is the difference between ARCH and the Visualize page?

The main architecture editor is for diagramming cloud and network systems with a component catalog, routing, grouping, and exports. The separate Visualize page is for loading data files such as JSON, YAML, TOML, XML, CSV, Terraform (HCL), GraphQL, and protobuf to explore them as diagrams and views.

Does ARCH support team collaboration?

The source highlights individual use in a browser and mentions projects, checkpoints, named snapshots, and a command palette, but it does not describe collaboration features or shared editing.

Quick Facts

Category
Architecture diagramming
Platform
Web app in the browser
Primary use
Cloud and network architecture diagrams
Storage model
Local browser storage via IndexedDB
Offline support
Works offline after first load
Source domain
archapp.design

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